Stuttgart School Board hires architect firms

Wednesday

Feb 13, 2013 at 5:13 PMFeb 13, 2013 at 5:15 PM

The Stuttgart Board of Education has selected both Jackson Brown Palculict of Little Rock and WER of Little Rock, a decision that Superintendent Dr. Melvin Bryant said would help the district accomplish several projects in a short period of time.

Sarah Morris, smorris@stuttgartdailyleader.com

Two architect firms were selected Tuesday night to help move the Stuttgart School District further along in its construction plans.

The Stuttgart Board of Education has selected both Jackson Brown Palculict of Little Rock and WER of Little Rock, a decision that Superintendent Dr. Melvin Bryant said would help the district accomplish several projects in a short period of time.

The district interviewed five architectural firms before choosing two to move forward with. Board member Henry Newby said construction priorities for the district include improving the Stuttgart Junior High School layout, expanding the band hall, possibly adding a safe room and increasing school security.

The construction project was listed as one reason for the 2012 school millage increase from 31.9 mills to 36.9 mills. Stuttgart residents approved the increase on Sept. 18, 2012, on the understanding that the funds would be divided into four categories, construction, instructional/technology, maintenance and operation and physical plant.

As of this month, Bryant said the district has to have all funds committed within 21 months. The completion date for these commitments is 36 months after that.

Elisabeth Carter, on behalf of the Licensed Personnel Policy Committee, asked for an update on salary increases. Bryant said the increases are being worked on and should be completed in time to appear in next year’s contracts.

Newby said the salary increases have always been a high priority to help increase the district’s competitiveness in maintaining and attracting high quality teachers.

In September 2012, proponents of the millage increase said it’s been five years since a salary increase was given and that it would cost the district about $800,000. More details on how the bond money will be used will be included in a future edition of the Stuttgart Daily Leader.

Cupples Sign Company, Inc, of Jonesboro, has received the bid for two electronic marquees for both Park Avenue Elementary School (PAE) and Stuttgart High School (SHS).

Bryant said the 4.8-foot by 8-foot sign would cost $76,272. The company was one of three bids submitted to the school, and was selected in part because of its in-state location as well as its proposed warranty and labor inclusion.

Both signs will be double-faced main ID signs with an LED illuminated electronic message center.

The board, with all members present, approved an Act 1599 request to hire full-time school employee Lori Crawford as an independent photographer for after school functions.

Saranie Lawn Care submitted the only bid for the district’s 2013 lawn care. The Stuttgart company will continue to provide the lawn care for the same rate as before, $80,122.12.

A five-year-old Humphrey Kindergartner received approval in her Act 609 request to transfer from the DeWitt School District to Stuttgart.

The board also voted to hire and accept the, retirements, resignations and hirings of: